Relax in Cannes on the French Riveira

We were off to Cannes said Kan in French, a city located in the French Riviera. We knew it was going to be an expensive holiday as it is a busy tourist destination and is also the famous host of the annual Cannes Film Festival. So on account of the expense, we only spent a couple of days, soaking in the place before we moved on to the rest of France.

All the stories written about the place, do not do justice to it in the flesh. Well laid out, easy on the eye and the residents are always dressed in designer wear, to our eyes! In fact we found it more chic than Paris. Cannes is a wonderful city to visit and worth the expense and the effort.

The city is also famous for its luxury shops, restaurants, and hotels. We of course we had to check out the new luxury hotels such as the Miramar and the Martinez, ‘cause, Goa where we originate from in India, has a whole area called Miramar. Then taking a cab, we took a city tour to ogle the sports centre, luxury street cars, its solitary post office, and a couple of schools. There were tourists from all over the world- British, German American and ofcourse the Japanese.

“Go and enjoy the summer casino at the Palm Beach,” advised the receptionist at our hotel. So we pulled on our formal wear and decided it did not matter if we lost a few dollars in the Casino, just for the experience. “ Whats the point of saying you went to Cannes when you did not experience that?” she said smiling gently at us. “ Its like saying you went to Vegas and did not gamble!”
The International Film Festival, which is held every May, has only increased the allure of Cannes and all the celebrities of the world descend during that time. It was the idea of the city council to start an international film festival shortly before World War II, and the first festival opened on 20 September 1946, held in the Casino Municipal.

This sunny resort town on the French Riviera is worth visiting if you are looking for a place to chill, in style. Take leisurely walks on the La Croisette promenade, or lie on the beach, taking in the sun spread eagled on your towel or sip delectable French wines in the open-air cafés, so famous across Europe. You could also go shopping on the side streets and come night fall, hit the casinos and clubs after which, slam dunk your head on the pillows in your luxury hotel, at night.

To experience Cannes culture in full, be ready to empty your wallet. Its warm, sunny climate and picturesque position between the Estérel hills and the Mediterranean Sea have made it popular among Europe's elite for years. But you shouldn't let all this talk of exclusivity scare you from visiting: Cannes is also a truly international destination that can accommodate travellers on a range of budgets, especially if you visit in the off-season.

There are a couple of pointers to remember : Don't buy on the boulevard called La Croisette. It is tempting to pick up your souvenirs on the glamorous seaside promenade, but this is one spot where you'll be overcharged.

Please also remember not to buy fake You can be fined thousands of euro, if you are caught purchasing a fake Pierre Cardin, or any other designer, bag.

In the summer there are huge crowds thronging the beach. Don't fight the crowds, especially on the public beaches. You can easily avoid frustration in advance by staking out your piece of sand early in the morning, before the flotsam and jetsam arrive.